In light of growing hostility and anti-trans legislation across the U.S., many transgender people are seeking safe havens —whether by relocating to more trans-friendly areas within the U.S. or by moving abroad. This guide offers resources to help you understand and navigate the relocation process.
What is Trans Asylum?
Trans asylum refers to the search for refuge, safety, and inclusion for transgender people; whether they are fleeing discrimination or unsafe living conditions. It can take many forms such as moving to a different city within your state, relocating to a relatively trans-friendly state like California, or moving outside of the US to countries that offer guaranteed protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
In a 2024 interview with The Advocate, “Meet the transgender lawyer leading a bold fight to show Supreme Court justices that trans lives matter”, Chase Strangio discussed the impact of restrictive state laws:
“We’re now in a situation where half the country bans this evidence-based medical care for transgender adolescents, overriding the decisions of their doctors and their parents to provide this treatment.”
And as of this week, President Donald Trump has signed several executive orders that intensify these concerns for transgender and nonbinary people.
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an order that mandates that the federal government recognizes only two genders – male and female – based on biological sex assigned at birth. This policy effectively eliminates federal recognition of transgender and nonbinary identities. This not only impacts access to gender-affirming care and appropriate facilities, but also the processing of legal documents and anti-discrimination protections for transgender individuals.
He also signed an order that terminates all DEI initiatives within federal agencies, placing employees in these roles on immediate leave. This removes significant support systems and resources previously available to marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community.
Moving Within Your State to a More Trans-Friendly City
Relocating to a city with protective laws and a thriving LGBTQ+ community can be life-changing. Cities like San Francisco, Boston, and Minneapolis consistently rank as some of the most inclusive places for transgender individuals in the U.S. And in the South and Plains regions, Atlanta and Omaha have local non-discrimination ordinances based on gender identity. The metropolitan nature of these cities also lends itself to providing resources for the community.
Steps to Take:
- Research Trans-Friendly Cities: Use tools like the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index to find cities with strong anti-discrimination laws.
- Tap Into Local LGBTQ+ Centers: Organizations in your local city may provide housing, gender-affirming health services, HIV/AIDS support, and financial coaching.
In the Candler Park neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia Equality has resources for trans folks in areas like legal, mental health, and healthcare. If you’re looking for housing, Trans Housing Atlanta Program (THAP) can assist with housing, utility, grocery, and up to two (2) weeks of hotel payment assistance. Omaha For Us has a gender-affirming closet and offers affirming LGBTQ+ clinical counseling and support groups.
Centers like the San Francisco LGBT Center, TRANScending Barriers and similar organizations offer resources ranging from housing assistance to support groups. - Evaluate Healthcare Options: Cities with inclusive policies often have trans-friendly medical providers. The GLMA Provider Directory is a great resource to find affirming healthcare near you.
Moving to a Trans Refuge State
Some states, like Illinois, New York, and Colorado, have passed laws to protect trans people from discriminatory policies. These states act as trans refuges, providing comprehensive legal protections and access to gender-affirming care.
Steps to Take:
- Understand Legal Protections: States like Oregon, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maryland have passed “shield laws” to protect those fleeing anti-trans legislation. Learn more at the Movement Advancement Project.
- Relocation Assistance Programs: Organizations like Trans Lifeline help transgender individuals move to safer states.
- Employment and Housing Help: Platforms like A Place for Marsha can connect you with safe housing and job opportunities.
Moving to a Trans Sanctuary – Everything You Need To Know
Seeking Trans Asylum Internationally
For some, leaving the U.S. altogether may offer the best opportunity for safety and self-expression. Countries like Canada, Argentina, and the Netherlands have progressive policies that provide asylum and support for LGBTQ+ people. Additionally, other countries such as Spain, Ecuador, Ireland and New Zealand have laws on the books that protect trans people. Depending on your situation either asylum requests or emigration might be an option.
Steps to Take:
- Learn Asylum Laws: Organizations like Rainbow Railroad offer resources for trans individuals fleeing state-enabled violence.
- Prepare Documentation: Update your passport to reflect your gender marker. The National Center for Transgender Equality provides step-by-step guidance.
- Build Networks Abroad: Use platforms like ILGA World to connect with LGBTQ+ expatriates and support networks in your destination country.
Watch Rainbow Railroad’s Asylum Guide on YouTube for an in-depth explanation of the process.
Additional Resources for Trans Asylum
- Asylum Connect: A resource database for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, providing information on safe housing, legal services, and healthcare globally.
- Immigration Equality: Offers free legal support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and families navigating immigration or seeking asylum.
- Human Rights Campaign (HRC): Provides information on emergency relocation funds and advocacy for LGBTQ+ families in crisis.
- LGBTQ+ Map: Interactive maps showcasing global legal protections for transgender individuals, including healthcare access and anti-discrimination laws.
- Trans Lifeline: A peer support hotline and microgrants program assisting trans people with identity documents, including those seeking asylum.
- Rainbow Refugee: Canadian organization supporting LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees with sponsorship programs and community connections.
- OutRight Action International: Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights globally and provides resources for those navigating emigration and asylum.
- ILGA World: International LGBTQ+ association offering reports and advocacy tools on trans rights and emigration options worldwide.
- National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE): Provides resources on updating legal documents before emigration and guidance on navigating global trans rights.
- WPATH Global Directory: A directory of trans-friendly healthcare providers worldwide, essential for continuing gender-affirming care after relocation.
Videos
Transgender Asylum Seekers Find Hope Through San Francisco’s LGBT Asylum Project
This video highlights the journey of transgender individuals fleeing persecution and finding support through San Francisco’s LGBT Asylum Project. It showcases personal stories and the organization’s efforts to provide legal assistance and community support.
Seeking Asylum in the US to Escape Trans Discrimination
Produced by VICE Asia, this documentary explores the harrowing experiences of transgender Latinx individuals escaping violence and discrimination in their home countries, seeking refuge in the United States. It sheds light on the complexities of the asylum process and the challenges faced upon arrival.
From Tijuana to NYC, Transgender Asylum Seekers Turn to Their Community
This video documents the journey of transgender asylum seekers from Tijuana to New York City, highlighting the support networks that assist them along the way. It emphasizes the importance of community in navigating the asylum process.
Transgender Migrants Seek Asylum in the US
This Voice of America segment covers the arrival of transgender migrants at the U.S. border, detailing their reasons for seeking asylum and the obstacles they encounter. It provides a glimpse into their determination to find safety.
Country Divided: The Emergence of Transgender Refuge States
This video discusses the political landscape in the U.S. concerning transgender rights, focusing on states that have become refuges for transgender individuals. It features insights from activist Erin Reed on the importance of these safe havens.
These videos offer diverse perspectives on the pursuit of safety and acceptance by transgender asylum seekers, both within the United States and internationally.